Gainesville took home the honors with special attention paid to its “restored, late 19th century downtown,” which the USA Today team commended for unique restaurants, hotels, shops and the town’s 30-acre Frank Buck Zoo.

The North Texas patriotic hotspot “changed our definition of patriotism,” the USA Today team said. “It’s not just the number of flags or monuments, memorials or programs; it’s not even just for the people who serve. It’s how you care for the people who were fought for.”

The comment is a nod to Gainesville’s status as the nation’s only “Medal of Honor City,” for hosting an annual spring celebration that honors veterans and draws Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from around the country, covering their travel and food expenses with volunteer donations.

Members of Texas’ Congressional delegation were quick to take to Facebook to celebrate Gainesville’s accomplishment, praising the town’s selection.

“This will come as no surprise to anyone who has visited or lived in Gainesville. I am proud to represent part of this fine town and all the others like it from our district,” Representative Mac Thornberry wrote.

Catch up with the 2012 Presidential Campaign:

Every morning, we share some headlines from the 2012 presidential campaigns.